Operations Technician

About This Role

Coordinate maintenance and repair of the Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center greenhouse complex, working with all users, including faculty, staff, and students from multiple departments such as Horticulture and Natural Resources, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and Entomology, as well as others. The successful applicant will collaborate with a team to ensure the greenhouse complex operates efficiently, is well-maintained, and is improved, supporting high-value teaching and research activities within the facility.

About Us

The Department of Agronomy was established in 1906 to promote advances in agricultural practices in the state of Kansas. Advances throughout the history of the Department have had major impacts on transforming the bounty of the natural resources of Kansas into the present standard of living enjoyed by its people.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of experience in greenhouse operations and maintenance.
• Five years of relevant experience in commercial, industrial, mechanical, or building trades. Skilled electrician, semi-skilled plumber, and semi-skilled carpenter.
• Working knowledge of greenhouse environmental conditions and how they affect plant growth, as well as construction trades, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.
• Must be able to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English—ability to supervise and collaborate with hourly student employees.
• Experience in managing a budget.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a complex, technical environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including faculty, students, researchers, vendors, and administrative and facilities staff within a uniquely dynamic university research, teaching, and service community.
• General knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and communication software.

Additional Role Information:

• Must be willing to obtain the following certificates within 6 months of employment:
  • Workers Protection Standard (WPS)
  • Cross-Connection and Backflow Prevention
  • Skid Loader Performance Evaluation
  • Boomlift 3b Operator certificate.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three Professional References

Application Window

Applications close on: February 1, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$20.30 - $25.87 ($42,216 - $53,800)